About Mr. Spear
Mr. Spear graduated from Michigan State University's Honors College with a degree in English in 2000 and earned his Master's degree in Counseling from Oakland University in 2006. In 2007, he served on the planning committee to help establish the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies. Mr. Spear came to UAIS when it opened in 2008 after spending his first seven years in education at Malow Jr. High. Over the last twelve years at UAIS, he has served as a teacher (2008-2014, 2017-present), counselor (2011-12), Extended Essay Coordinator (2010-2014), CAS Coordinator (2010-present) and Head of School (2014-2017). He currently is the staff sponsor for the UAIS Student Voice Committee, advises the UAIS Key Club, and is the senior class sponsor for the class of 2021.
Mr. Spear's community volunteering has included the Sterling Heights High Noon Kiwanis Club and serving as Community Chairperson for the Greater Shelby Township Relay for Life. He has been honored as the Michigan Key Club Adviser of the Year in 2010, 2016, and 2018. He has received the Michigan Association of Middle School Educators (MAMSE) State Level Award of Excellence and was named the MAMSE State of Michigan Educator of the Year in 2003. He was also honored with the Macomb Media in Education Teacher of the Year in 2007 and most recently was named the Utica Community Schools High School Teacher of the Year in 2018. When he is not teaching, Mr. Spear enjoys volunteering, traveling, writing, and spending time with his wife and 3 daughters, Emma, Megan and Julia.
Mr. Spear's community volunteering has included the Sterling Heights High Noon Kiwanis Club and serving as Community Chairperson for the Greater Shelby Township Relay for Life. He has been honored as the Michigan Key Club Adviser of the Year in 2010, 2016, and 2018. He has received the Michigan Association of Middle School Educators (MAMSE) State Level Award of Excellence and was named the MAMSE State of Michigan Educator of the Year in 2003. He was also honored with the Macomb Media in Education Teacher of the Year in 2007 and most recently was named the Utica Community Schools High School Teacher of the Year in 2018. When he is not teaching, Mr. Spear enjoys volunteering, traveling, writing, and spending time with his wife and 3 daughters, Emma, Megan and Julia.
